Pancolitis is a form of severe ulcerative colitis in which the entire large intestine is involved, including the rectum.
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Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers -
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredA variety of medications are available to help manage the symptoms of IBD and try to keep the disease in remission. No single medication is right for each person, so it is important to work with your doctor to determine what is right for you. These medications include:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Steroids
- Immunologic agents
- Biologic agents
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered
While the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis) remains unclear, there does appear to be a genetic component, meaning that the disease runs in families. In fact, about 15-30 percent of people with IBD have a family member with the condition. Typically, people are first diagnosed with IBD in their late teens to early twenties, but people may develop the condition at any age.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredYour physician will ask you to describe your symptoms, when the symptoms began, and what makes the symptoms better or worse. Next, the doctor will perform a physical exam during which he or she may look for any outward signs and symptoms of IBD such as pain when your doctor presses on areas of your abdomen, mouth sores, rashes, and abdominal masses. Your doctor may take a blood test to determine if you have anemia, a sign of potential bleeding in the intestines, or if you have high levels of white blood cells, which indicate that your body is fighting an infection and that there is inflammation somewhere in your body. In addition, a sample of your bowel movement (stool sample) may be taken to look for signs of bleeding or infection in the intestines. The doctor may also use x-ray, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy to view your intestines look for inflammation or bleeding.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredSee All 3 Answers
While there is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lifestyle changes, medications and surgery may help reduce the signs and symptoms of IBD and help bring about remission (a period of time when symptoms fade).
Lifestyle changes include:
- diet
- smoking cessation
- stress relief
Medications include:
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatory agents
- steroids
- immunologic agents
- biologic agents
Surgical options include:
- A proctocolectomy—removal of the entire colon and rectum—is the most common surgery for ulcerative colitis. Since ulcerative colitis involves only the large bowel, this operation is considered curative. The end of the small intestine, after it is disconnected from the large intestine, is then used to create an ileostomy, or used for an ileoanal reservoir. An ileostomy (or stoma) is a small opening surgically created in the abdominal wall through which the end of the small intestine, the ileum, is brought to the skin's surface to allow waste to drain into a bag attached to the opening. Patients have their health and quality of life restored, and this remains a great option for many.
- An ileoanal anastomosis, also called a pull-through operation or a J pouch, avoids the use of a permanent bag to drain waste. The surgeon removes the diseased colon and rectum, preserving the anal muscles necessary for bowel control. The ileum is used to create an internal reservoir (or pouch) that holds waste, and this is then surgically attached to the anal muscles. This enables the patient to pass waste (stool) via the anus. Bowel movements may be more frequent and watery than usual.
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Sigma Nursing answeredIn addition to medication, some alternative treatments may help ease the symptoms of ulcerative proctitis. You should talk to your doctor if you are considering using alternative treatments. Dietary changes may help. Some people respond well to increasing the amount of fiber in their diet, but others may find that it makes their symptoms worse. Adding fish oil to your diet might help decrease the inflammation associated with proctitis. Foods that contain prebiotics might help improve intestinal health in general; these include garlic, artichokes, bananas, and some other fruits, vegetables, and grains. Probiotic supplements containing acidophilus can also contribute to overall intestinal health. Some herbs have been known to help soothe and heal inflamed and irritated body tissue. For example, drinking tea made with slippery elm and marshmallow might help soothe the colon and rectum. Homeopathic remedies, biofeedback, exercise. and acupuncture may also help. While all these suggestions may be useful, they can only address symptoms; the underlying cause of a patient's ulcerative proctitis must be found and addressed medically.
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2 AnswersA
Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers
Crohn's disease (CD) differs from ulcerative colitis (UC) in the following ways:
- CD usually starts in the ileum (small bowel) and can spread to any part of the gastrointestinal tract. UC usually starts in the rectum and moves towards the small bowel but only affects the colon.
- CD forms fistulas, UC does not.
- UC only involves the mucosa and submucosa and forms ulcers in the bowel but CD can affect the entire bowel thickness, thus causing fistulas.
CD and UC are both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).